Top 5 Mountain Biking Destinations in North America

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-fledged mountain biking vacation, these five spots around the country will leave you wanting more.

Fruita, CO – With plenty of smooth, swoopy singletrack, Fruita has challenges for beginners and pros alike. Steep hills, tight switchbacks, and intense downhills test the mettle of even the most experienced riders, while flat, easy routes provide a confidence boost for newbies. The desert location means that rainy days are few and far between—perfect for year-round riding. Plus, golf courses, whitewater rafting, and four-wheeling desert trails are all nearby, making this a blood-pumping destination you won’t soon forget.

Asheville, N.C. – Asheville is the XC-riding mecca of the Southeast U.S., and has plenty to offer riders. The DuPont National Forest features more than 80 miles of trails, which wind past several waterfalls and other natural landmarks. The trails feature long climbs and smooth singletrack, perfect for all-day adventures. Plus, with Pisgah National Forest and Bent Creek right around the corner, mountain bikers can find trails suitable for any experience level.

Ray’s MTB Park; Columbus, OH – When weather is lousy, Ray’s MTB Park is your solution. Open from October through April, this indoor BMX and MTB facility features a pump track, foam pit, and plenty of jumps for practicing. Plus, they have Women’s Weekends, where ladies can shred for half price or less. With locations in Columbus, OH and Milwaukee, WI, this spot is perfect for Midwesterners looking to escape the winter chill.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park; Whistler, B.C.- Located in Western Canada, Whistler Mountain Bike Park has trails for every level of rider. Novices can learn to ride with the help of experienced guides, while expert downhillers can rip down some of the West Coast’s best singletrack. With almost 5,000’ of lift-serviced MTB trails and state-of-the-art rental bikes, this resort can pack more adrenaline into a weekend than you ever thought possible.

Rothrock State Forest; State College, PA—If endurance riding is what you crave, Rothrock State Forest in State College, PA is the perfect getaway. Buried deep in the center of the state, this region has enough singletrack to ride for days without touching the same trail twice. This comes in handy for the ultra-endurance races put on here, including the Stoopid 50 and the Wilderness 101. With technical sections that give way to flowy singletrack, riders can experience a little bit of everything.